Sitting out last week in the greater Wellington area I watched the death throes of the election from afar – by way of my small knee-perched tablet.
After the Lauriston Village Mayoral Debate, from left Susan O’Regan, Mike Pettit, Clare St Pierre and MC Peter Carr. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
So, working backwards, first the result – at least the position as it stood on Sunday – the day after voting closed. Unless a thunderbolt descends from the Almighty, we have a new (and Cambridge-based) mayor – the first for many years. Take heart there is someone at the helm who understands the local scene here in this rapidly expanding town. A multitude of new expanding housing areas is covering pristine land and a major review of traffic-related interest is under way. And the ‘new’ bridge is but one part of that exercise.
Turning to the elected Cambridge ward councillors the top two were no surprise and sit in safe situations. However, the next six (who can only claim two seats) will no doubt eagerly await more formal count results later this week.
In summary – with a new face crowning the mayoral chain-laden shoulders – two new councillors with no local body experience and four ‘newbies’ on the community board we are in for an interesting time. With several heavy promises personally made to obtain the votes the road ahead may become rocky. As my French master of many years ago would remind us in the Lower Third form ‘plus ca change, plus c’est la meme chose’ (Francophiles forgive me for the lack of requisite adornments to two of the letters). Translated ‘the more things change the more they stay the same’.
New deputy mayor? Clare St Pierre relaxes at home after her reelection as a councillor. Photo: Jesse Wood
In other words, if the new mayor is going to pull a rabbit out of the hat and markedly re-arrange the fiduciary aspects of the council’s performance he will need to carry a large majority of the new council with him. His choice of deputy will be interesting and one of his recent opponents in the election carries a worthwhile experience of financial management. I have a concern that the transfer of $200 million of debt, in due course, to the new water management entity will encourage those around the large table to see this refreshed balance sheet value as a reason to launch out towards extravagant objectives.
The Maōri ward result was a surprise to me, and I regret the way it has turned out. Putting aside the negative race-based rhetoric of some I have always thought there was merit in having someone who can bring the indigenous voice into an open and fair forum and in a quiet and professional manner that is sadly missing in our national parliament. That said I am pleased that the Waipa-wide ward will still be in place until October 2028.
That Waipa – and the greater majority of districts (and regions) – failed to entice a worthwhile voting percentage speaks volumes – not the least of which is directly related to the meddling by Wellington seated politicians and government departments. Given a decent budget and a clear road ahead local body politicians can move mountains. They are earnest, honest and generally devoid of national politics. That said the Act party have meddled this time around with mainly mixed success.
Cambridge Chamber candidates meeting with Peter Carr as compere. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
